Living History at Christmas

Living Nativity in West Springfield, MA (2010)

Rev. A. E. Lavalley & wife, Nancy Mitchell LaValley, uncle and aunt

It has become an annual tradition at the West Springfield Covenant Community Church, MA, where my Uncle Al LaValley is pastor, to treat the community to a living nativity. And for many of my family members who participate, they are not only living history, but making their own history. So I present to you several of my cousins from the Mitchell branch of my family tree, who bring you tidings of great joy!

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Luke 2:8-12

Nick Sheehan, son of Lisa LaValley Fonte (2009)

Bob Sheehan (right), son of Lisa LaValley Fonte (2009)

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel,
praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace
to men on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:13-14

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Luke 4:10-12

Many others relatives have participated behind the scenes, reenacting, musically, etc. through the years and I’m sure having done so will bring not only themselves, but the many who have come to watch, valuable Christmas memories.